Dear fellow aquarists,
The Coral Culture Laboratory at Florida International University is looking for advanced aquarists to participate in a Symbiodinium (zooxanthellae) diversity study. The overall focus of our laboratory’s research utilizes molecular techniques to investigate patterns of diversity of corals and their endosymbionts (see http://www.fiu.edu/~lajeunes/ ). More specifically, we are interested in understanding the stability and/or flexibility of coral-algal symbioses and the implications to global climate change. We have learned that while some associations between host species and algal “type†may be somewhat flexible, a vast majority of these associations are highly specialized and display no propensity to change (see LaJeunesse et al., 2005. Coral Reefs, 24: 157-159 at http://www.fiu.edu/~lajeunes/LaJeunesseetal%202005.pdf ). To investigate the stability of these specialized symbioses, we have genetically typed the symbiont populations from a few host specimens maintained in aquaria for several years. Preliminary analyses reveal that the expected “natural†symbiont types of these hosts have persisted in the artificial environment of an aquarium for periods of up to 6 years.
To substantiate these preliminary results, we are looking for aquarists willing to donate small coral fragments (~2cm) for genetic analyses. Specifically, we need specimens belonging to the genera Montipora and Porites (originating from the Pacific) that have been maintained in aquaria for a period of at least 1 year. Common examples may include (but not limited to): M. digitata, M. capricornis, M. foliosa, M. angulata, M. meandrina, M. millepora, M. danae, M. undata, P. lobata, P. cylindrica, P. annae, P. nigrenscens, P. lutea, P. rus).
Additionally, it would be useful (although not critical) to have a detailed description of the aquarium conditions and history of the host colony (i.e. lighting, water parameters, location of the host specimen, descriptive color and/or growth morphology, origin of host specimen if known, other host species maintained, etc.). Findings from this investigation will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal with acknowledgment given to participating aquarists.
To participate in this study, please e-mail Robin Smith (rsmith05@fiu.edu) with a description of host species available and estimated time period in culture for each host colony. Arrangements will be made to ship out sample vials containing preservation buffer and instructions for sampling as well as return shipping account information.
